UNIST Novatus Graduate School and Ulsan Regional SMEs and Startups Office Sign MOU to Boost AI Skills and Talent for Local SMEs

UNIST Novatus Graduate School and the Ulsan Regional SMEs and Startups Office have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing AI capabilities and cultivating talent among local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The signing ceremony took place on October 22, 2025.

This collaboration centers around UNIST Novatus Graduate School’s specialized AI training programs and seeks to establish a robust cooperation framework to elevate the AI skills of SME employees and accelerate the region’s industrial transition toward AI-driven innovation.

Under the agreement, both institutions have agreed to pursue practical collaborations, including expanding participation in SME employee training, implementing on-site AI curriculum tailored to industry needs, and jointly developing industry-academia-research projects.

As part of the partnership, UNIST Novatus Graduate School will provide scholarship benefits to SME employees recommended by the Ulsan Regional SMEs and Startups Office. In turn, the office will promote the training programs and recommend participants to broaden engagement.

Dean Namhum Kim of UNIST Novatus Graduate School expressed, “This partnership marks a meaningful first step in helping local companies embed AI technologies into their operations. We are committed to continuously nurturing industry-ready talent to contribute to digital transformation and strengthen industrial competitiveness.”

Director HyungSeok Noh of Ulsan Regional SMEs and Startups Office added, “AI is at the core of industrial innovation and essential for the growth of SMEs. Through collaboration with UNIST, we aim to develop practical training models to support local companies in becoming leaders in technological innovation.”

Additionally, UNIST Novatus Graduate School is now accepting applications for the 2026 academic year. Prospective students can apply online by November 5, 2025.